ethylhexyl

Ethylhexyl is a term used in organic chemistry to denote a branched eight-carbon alkyl substituent, most commonly the 2-ethylhexyl group. It is derived from 2-ethylhexane and is attached to larger molecules through one of its terminal carbons. In chemical nomenclature, the ethylhexyl group is used to indicate the presence of this bulky, hydrophobic substituent in esters, ethers, and related compounds.

The 2-ethylhexyl group is characterized by its branching and size, which influence a compound’s physical properties, including solubility, volatility, and steric profile. Because of its bulk, ethylhexyl-containing esters and derivatives often serve as plasticizers, emollients, or solvents, providing flexibility to polymers or improving texture and spreadability in formulations.

Common examples and applications include ethylhexyl esters such as ethylhexyl palmitate, used as an emollient in cosmetics, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely used plasticizer in plastics and coatings (though DEHP has faced regulatory restrictions due to health concerns). Ethylhexyl esters also appear in various specialty chemicals and fragrance or polymer intermediates, where the group contributes to compatibility and stability.

Synthesis and attachment typically involve esterification or alkylation processes that introduce the 2-ethylhexyl moiety from 2-ethylhexanol or related precursors to the desired acid or compound. The safety profile of ethylhexyl derivatives depends on the specific molecule; the substituent itself is not inherently hazardous, but regulatory evaluations often address the complete compound, as seen with DEHP.

See also: 2-ethylhexanol, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, ethylhexyl palmitate.